The birthday festivities began on Friday at the local dinner theatre for a production of "All Shook Up". It was a musical loosely based on the life of Elvis Presley and his music. It was great and Lin-Ley enjoyed it as well. Aunt Diane and Uncle Ted joined us and luckily they brought along their gift to Lin-Ley (art supplies) so she was well occupied between dinner and the show. There were many people there celebrating birthdays. Lin-Ley's name was the second one called. Before the host could finish her name Lin-Ley had her hand in the air waving it around so that everyone in the theatre would be sure to see her. That gave us all a chuckle and Lin-Ley was just very pleased that all of those people had come there to help celebrate her birthday.
Saturday was party time at Chuck E. Cheese. Lin-Ley had told me over three months ago that she wanted to have her next birthday party there. I assumed she would change her mind a few times but she stuck to it.
The birthday girl and 12 of her preschool, kindergarten, chinese school and church friends ran wild and had a blast.
It was all about Mariposa Barbie this birthday. There was no Mariposa birthday cake so a Ballerina Barbie cake was chosen.
Unfortunately Barbie was supposed to stand and spin on the little purple stage but it did not work. So Barbie had to be stuck right into the cake. To make matters worse... all of the cake top decorations, which Lin-Ley wanted to bring home, were left on the table at the restaurant. Oh the drama!
Chuck E. Cheese came out to sing a birthday song, led a parade around the restaurant and then joined the party for birthday cake.
I could never get all of the kids in one photo but here are most of them.
For the third year Lin-Ley has asked her birthday guests to bring gifts for her chosen charity rather than for herself. This year she collected dog toys, treats, etc. for "Soldier Dogs". These are military dogs serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other military locations. She gets a big kick out of the fact that there are dogs that are soldiers like her Daddy.
If you have any interest in learning more about this program (K-9 Support) look for their link in our "Charitable Organizations To Consider" section at the right hand side of our blog.
Of course every child deserves to open gifts at her birthday party. So Mommy and Daddy delivered. Lin-Ley had only asked for two things:Mariposa Barbie and her friend Willa. Done!
It was a real party weekend. Saturday was Lin-Ley's party and Sunday was Amilee's party. Lin-Ley and Amilee met at chinese school and have the exact same birthday. Amilee had a gymnastics party and Lin-Ley enjoyed her second party in as many days.
After nap time it was time to head outside to try out the new bubble machine.
Lin-Ley and Tru enjoyed marching through the bubbles although in the beginning Tru was quite hesitant.
Lin-Ley of course was wearing her weekend/playtime uniform. Granny Howard (Diane's mother) gave Lin-Ley this Barbie gown about three years ago. She has consistently worn it as often as possible since then.
Today was Lin-Ley's first day of summer camp. By this afternoon she already had a new best friend name Lilly. They are already planning play dates at each other's homes. Before we could leave the park the two of them had to hug six times. It was so cute!
Since it was officially her birthday we went out for a quick dinner at a local diner. The meal of choice.... spaghetti.
Tru continues to surprise me with his love of lettuce. I have never seen anything like it. Two lettuce leaves were under my sandwich. He reached right over, slid the lettuce off of my plate, and proceed to eat it. Apparently it was better than his spaghetti. 
Not to be out done by her brother Lin-Ley strikes her own silly pose.It was home to more birthday presents, bath and bed.
Happy Birthday Big Girl!
Miscellaneous:
For the first time I was finally able to get some photos of Tru getting his hair cut. This was his 5th hair cut and the first time he sat alone in the chair. He absolutely hates it but did very well this time.
Look at that face!
Lin-Ley's last day of Kindergarten with her bus driver (and pal) Ms. Gibson.
4 comments:
OMG Jody,
The facial expression on Tru while he's getting his hair cut is priceless.
Oh...Happy B-day Lin-Ley!
Take care
Happy Birthday Lin-Ley!!! Can you believe they're 6 already!!! I'm so happy to hear that Lin-Ley does the birthday charity thing. I have been trying for a couple years now to do that with Drew, but she's not going for it just yet. Maybe next year we can talk her into it We usually do Half the Sky, but maybe if we let her have her choice of charities she may go for it? Guess we'll have to wait and see! Happy Birthday again, Big Girl!!
What a great idea to do with the birthday gifts!
And I love Tru's face in the haircut picture. Too cute.
You have a lovely daughter with a big heart. I read about her on a military dogs website and thought to myself.. "Her parents should be so proud." What a beautiful thing she has done. Thank you
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